Vatican passports and the NZeTA
Vatican City is the smallest state in the world, and only a small number of people hold its citizenship. Vatican nationality is usually linked to a role, such as service with the Holy See, residence in the city or membership of the Swiss Guard, and it often ends when that role ends. Because of this, most Vatican citizens also hold the citizenship of another country.
New Zealand includes Vatican City on its list of visa-waiver countries. If you travel on a Vatican passport, you don't need a visa for a visit of up to 90 days. You do need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), which has been required since 1 October 2019. It is valid for up to 2 years and covers several visits.
Diplomatic and service passports. Some Vatican passports are diplomatic or service passports. If you are travelling on Holy See duties with one of these, different arrangements may apply, so check before you apply for an NZeTA.
Choosing which passport to use
Your NZeTA is linked electronically to one passport. You must use that passport when you check in with your airline and when you arrive in New Zealand. If you hold two passports, consider which one is easier to use for the whole journey.
| Your second citizenship | What it means |
|---|---|
| Italy, Switzerland or another visa-waiver country | You can apply with either passport. Many travellers choose the passport with the longer validity. |
| A country that needs a visa for New Zealand | Travel on your Vatican passport and apply for the NZeTA with it. |
| No second citizenship | Apply with your Vatican passport. |
Remember that your passport must remain valid for at least 3 months after you leave New Zealand. Vatican passports are sometimes issued for shorter periods tied to a person's role, so check the expiry date before you book. If your Vatican citizenship or passport will end soon, applying with your other passport may be simpler. See our pages for Italian citizens and other countries if you need them.
Pastoral visits, events and tourism
Travellers from Vatican City come to New Zealand for many reasons, from conferences and pilgrimages to time with family or simply a holiday. With an NZeTA you can:
- Travel as a tourist and explore both islands
- Attend conferences, synods, meetings or retreats
- Visit religious communities, friends or relatives
- Take part in a short course of up to 3 months
The NZeTA does not cover:
- Working for a New Zealand organisation, including a diocese or parish, on an ongoing basis
- Stays longer than 90 days per visit
- Long-term study
If your visit involves religious work, check whether you need a work visa. Our business visitor page explains which professional activities are generally allowed for visitors.
Preparing your application
The application is completed online in about 10 minutes. Here is what to have ready:
Passport details
Copy your name exactly as it appears in the passport, including religious names only if they are printed there.
A face photo
A recent colour photo against a plain, light background. Religious head coverings are fine if your face is fully visible.
Begin
Enter your email, select "Visit" and choose a speed.
Details
Add your passport information. Groups of up to 10 can apply together.
Questions
Answer the health and character questions honestly.
Payment
Upload your photo and pay by card. The IVL levy is included.
Apply for an NZeTA with a Vatican passport
Allow up to 72 hours. Normal processing takes 48–72 hours, Emergency 24–48 hours and Rush 12–24 hours. Prices are listed on our NZeTA fees page.
Travelling from Rome
Most journeys start at Rome Fiumicino, around 30 kilometres from the Vatican. There are no direct flights to New Zealand, so you will connect at least once, usually in Doha, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong or another Asian or Middle Eastern hub. The total journey usually takes more than 24 hours.
New Zealand is 10 to 12 hours ahead of Rome, depending on daylight saving in each country. The seasons are reversed: if you leave Rome in December, you arrive in the New Zealand summer. Pack layers, as the weather can change quickly, even in summer.
If your connection is in Australia, you need Australian permission to transit. Your NZeTA only covers New Zealand.
Entry and biosecurity
An approved NZeTA allows you to travel, but the border officer decides whether you can enter. Be ready to show your passport, a return or onward ticket, details of where you will stay, evidence of funds, and your completed New Zealand Traveller Declaration. If you are staying with a religious community, keep their address and contact details handy.
Declare plant and food items. Rosaries made from seeds or wood, dried flowers, olive wood souvenirs, cheese, cured meats and fruit should all be declared. Officers will tell you what you can keep.
Everything in place? Complete your NZeTA application online.
Questions about Vatican City passports
Yes. Vatican City is a visa-waiver country, so holders of an ordinary Vatican passport can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. An approved NZeTA is required before travel.
Either can be used, because both countries are visa-waiver countries. Apply with the passport you will actually travel on, and show that same passport at check-in and on arrival.
Holders of diplomatic or service passports travelling on Holy See duties may be subject to different arrangements. Check your situation with the relevant authorities before you apply.
Attending religious events is generally fine for a visitor, but carrying out ongoing religious work, such as serving in a parish, may require a work visa. Check the rules for your planned activities.
Allow up to 72 hours. We offer Normal (48–72 hours), Emergency (24–48 hours) and Rush (12–24 hours) processing.
Yes, but declare them on arrival. Items made from seeds, wood, straw or other plant material may be inspected by biosecurity officers.